Friday's celebrated trials event is the kickoff to the Billabong Pipe Masters in Memory of Andy Irons. Before the first hooter blew, the late Hawaiian hero was remembered. - WSL / Kelly CestariMaui's Dusty Payne wins the Pipe Invitational with the highest scoring ride of the Final -- an 8.00. After an injury-plagued career, Payne appears ready to re-join his status among the best surfers in the world. - WSL / Damien PoullenotMaui charger Olamana Eleogram qualified for the Pipe Invitational via his regional ranking in Hawaii. This gem helped him take a Round One win on Friday, and seemed to make the qualifying effort completely worthwhile. - WSL / Damien PoullenotDefending Champion Finn McGill was right back at it this year. Though he's sprouted a few inches and added a few pounds since last year, McGill was having no issues finding room to move inside Pipe's hollow sections. - WSL / Damien Poullenot
Hawaii-based surfers like Koa Smith wait patiently all year to make their mark at Pipeline, and there's nothing quite like the anticipation that hits just before the opportunity arrives. - WSL / Tony HeffSmith got busy quickly during his opening round heat with this stunner on his second ride, earning him an 8.33 on his second ride. He didn't have much of a backup, but in the end it didn't matter. He advanced anyway. - WSL / Damien PoullenotSeth Moniz was the youngest surfer in his stacked opening round heat. The second-generation pro defeated Bruce Irons, Makua Rothman and Kiron Jabor to take the win. Seth kept his roll going all the way to the Final. - WSL / Damien PoullenotMason Ho is always keeping the Ho family legacy at Pipeline alive. Both his father Michael and his uncle Derek are former Pipe Masters champs. - WSL / Tony Heff
Jack Robinson was raised in the rough-and-tumble reef breaks of Western Australia, so he's quite comfortable in Hawaii's heavy stuff. Robinson won the Pipe Invitational back in 2015, and he put in a head-turning performance again this year, weaving his way into the Final. - WSL / Damien PoullenotBy Hawaii standards, it's been a rough month for weather. But somebody seemed to be pulling some strings on Friday, because it looked heavenly about the time the hooter blew. - WSL / Tony HeffBenji Brand spent a good chunk of time growing up on the North Shore of Oahu, and it showed Friday. He advanced to the Final with his good friend Seth Moniz. Seth's father Tony, a North Shore legend, had them both focused on the task - WSL / Damien PoullenotPipeline is one of best places to be a surf fan, especially in December. - WSL / Tony Heff
After claiming the win on Friday Dusty Payne had plenty of energy left in the tank. 'Let's go! Let's get this started' he said, knowing full well he'll be up against Jeep Leader John John Florence when the Billabong Pipe Masters gets underway. - WSL / Steve Sherman
Hawaii Highlights: Pipe Invitational
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With 32 incredible surfers vying for a shot at Pipe Masters glory, it was bound to be a good show.
Image Driven: The Pipe Invitational in Photos
WSL
Men's Pipe Invitational
With 32 incredible surfers vying for a shot at Pipe Masters glory, it was bound to be a good show.
Payne and runner-up Benji Brand earn wildcard spots in the Billabong Pipe Masters.
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